Saturday’s win topped them all for Gillingham boss Steve Lovell.

He guided the Gills to an historic win at Priestfield as the club beat top-flight opposition for the first time in 15 years.

Gillingham are through to round four of the FA Cup after seeing off Premier League Cardiff 1-0.

Lovell said: “As a manager, it is the best result so far because it is against the highest opposition.

“We have beaten Charlton and Portsmouth in the league and that is great but we have just beaten a Premier League side. It’s great, I feel really happy and delighted it has happened.”

As a player, Lovell reached the quarter-finals with Millwall in 1985.

“It is different (as a manager), Lovell said. “I think this is better.

“When you are a player you are in control of your own destiny, it’s only you. As a manager you are in control of everything, you get a great feeling when it works.”

Gills chairman Paul Scally was thrilled with the win too and thanked the fans for their efforts.

In a message to supporters, he said: “I want to say a huge thank you to every loyal fan that turned up on Saturday. You witnessed a cracking cup tie, a great result, and you created an atmosphere like days past.

“You were all amazing from start to finish, the boys really appreciate the passion you showed and you deserve to enjoy the win.”